Oklahoma Corporation Commission Names Fairo Mitchell Director of Public Utility Division

Oklahoma Corporation Commission Names Fairo Mitchell Director of Public Utility Division

Also Appointed to Oklahoma Broadband Expansion Council

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) has named Fairo Mitchell Director of the Public Utility Division (PUD), promoting a longtime agency leader with more than 25 years of utility regulatory experience and nearly two decades of service to the Commission.

Mitchell most recently served as Deputy Director and Interim Director of the Public Utility Division, where he helped oversee regulatory matters involving electric, natural gas, water and telecommunications providers serving millions of Oklahomans. He succeeds Mark Argenbright, who retired after 13 years of service with the Commission.

"For nearly two decades, Fairo has demonstrated the expertise, integrity and leadership that define the Public Utility Division," said Commission Chair Kim David. "His technical knowledge, commitment to public service and vision for the future make him exceptionally qualified to lead the division as Oklahoma faces new challenges in energy, infrastructure and utility regulation."

Mitchell joined the Oklahoma Corporation Commission in 2005 and brings more than 25 years of experience in utility regulation, telecommunications and electric utility operations. During his nearly 18 years with the Commission, he has served in progressively responsible leadership positions within the Public Utility Division, including Regulatory Analyst, Chief, Policy Director, Deputy Director, Policy Advisor and Interim Director. His progression through nearly every level of the division has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the Commission's regulatory mission and operations. In addition to his new responsibilities as director, the Commission on Thursday appointed Mitchell to serve on the Oklahoma Broadband Expansion Council.

Throughout his career at the OCC, Mitchell has led multidisciplinary teams responsible for reviewing some of Oklahoma's most significant electric, natural gas, water and telecommunications proceedings. He has provided expert testimony and policy recommendations on utility finance, cost of capital, rate design and regulatory policy, while also administering federal grants supporting energy assurance planning and professional development for regulatory staff.

"Fairo understands both the technical and policy sides of utility regulation," Commissioner Todd Hiett said. "His experience and steady leadership will ensure the Public Utility Division continues providing the Commission with the high-quality analysis necessary to make sound decisions for Oklahoma."

Prior to joining the OCC, Mitchell worked as a Fixed Asset Accountant for MCI/WorldCom, specializing in capital assets, depreciation, regulatory accounting and compliance. He also served as an

Adjunct Professor of Economics at Rose State College. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting, a Master of Business Administration in Finance and a Juris Doctor, and is a licensed attorney in Oklahoma.

"It is an honor to lead the Public Utility Division," Mitchell said. "My focus is on supporting our employees, maintaining the Division's tradition of professionalism and technical excellence, and ensuring the Commission has the information it needs to make well-informed decisions in the public interest. I also look forward to expanding transparency and public engagement through modern communication tools, including social media, to help Oklahomans better understand the utility issues that affect their daily lives."

"Throughout his career at the Commission, Fairo has earned the trust and respect of those who work alongside him," said Commissioner Brian Bingman. "His commitment to excellence, collaborative leadership and dedication to the public interest have prepared him well for this role. I look forward to working with him as we continue addressing Oklahoma's evolving utility challenges."

As Director, Mitchell will lead a division responsible for providing the Commission with technical, financial and policy expertise on matters involving electric, natural gas, water and telecommunications utilities. The division also administers the Oklahoma Universal Service Fund and provides the technical and policy analysis that helps the Commission balance reliable utility service, infrastructure investment and consumer protection.

Mitchell assumes leadership of the Public Utility Division as Oklahoma continues to experience significant growth in energy demand, utility infrastructure investment and broadband expansion across the state.